Building a Cigar Box Guitar 101

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Building a Cigar Box Guitar 101

This group is for discussing the basics of CBG building for newer builders - where to start, what to do, common pitfalls, tips and techniques.

Keep in mind that new builders can find other great informative articles on CBG building, as well as most of the parts you'll need, over at C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply!

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Latest Activity: Mar 20

Discussion Forum

Cutting deep boxes in half

Started by Justin Stanchfield. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 20. 9 Replies

Attention 1st time builders!

Started by BrianQ.. Last reply by MadGomer Feb 27. 2 Replies

Brickhouse CBG Wiring

Started by Ian Boyd. Last reply by Ian Boyd Dec 11, 2023. 1 Reply

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Comment by Paul Beckwith on May 18, 2014 at 6:54pm
Really enjoyed Gitty's CBG building book, tons of useful information and tips, if you can't make one following this book, then you never will! After purchase Mordacai will send an occasional link to interesting CBG info.

Good stiff!

Thanks to Gitty
Comment by mordacai bondurant on May 18, 2014 at 8:35am

Howdy Doc, and thank ya for the order.

I seen it come thru and a 'Confirmation' Email was immediately sent to ya....so you'll want to click on it to allow me to send ya the book. (If ya did not see that Confirmation' eMail, maybe take a gander into your Spam Folder.)

Her is my personal email addy if you have problems finding it:

mordacai@GittyMan.com

mordacai

www.GittyMan.com

Comment by gary sheldon on May 18, 2014 at 8:15am

One more "arm guard".  It is open on one end and just slips in under the strings.

Comment by gary sheldon on May 18, 2014 at 8:07am

I missed a couple of photos.

Comment by gary sheldon on May 18, 2014 at 7:59am

Tail piece design:

  I have a pretty good method of terminating the strings, but it is not perfect.  I use a brass tailpiece.  Rather than drilling holes for the strungs, I put slots in.  The tailpiece is curved at the top.  I am pretty dogmatic about this because I often remove the strings for repairs, mods, painting, oiling, etc.  I can just loosen them up at the tuner and pop the end out.  An unforseen problem is that the inside of my arm rubs against the brass piece and the  string splice.  I have a couple of solutions here.  Also I can always wear a long sleeve shirt.

Comment by mordacai bondurant on May 18, 2014 at 7:32am

I'd like to say 'thank ya' to y'all who have mentioned my book here on this here forum.  I really preciate that.  I hope I provided something of value for y'all.  

If'n any of you'ins ever have a question 'bout the book, please holler back at me and I'll do my best to answer ya.  Here is my personal email addy for y'all.

mordacai@GittyMan.com

mordacai

www.GittyMan.com

Comment by Mike Strehlow on May 18, 2014 at 7:24am

Hey Doc, I bought my tuners from Gitty too.  They came with instructions about the thickness of the head stock.  Mine are the "economy" open gear tuners.  The instructions say 5/8" is optimal.  I found this a little thick to get more string on the post so I usually do 1/2" for those type of tuners.  If you buy tuners from ebay (china) you will not get any help so follow Wichita Sam's procedure for figuring out the best thickness.  BTW, I use to head styles depending on my mood (seriously, mood). I either do a scarf joint, which gets more string angle or just reduce the thickness from the top of the neck to somewhere near the neck. Lately I've been doing more of the latter because it is a little faster.  

Another tip found elsewhere is to make a template for the hole placement.  I made one for 4 strings and skip the 4th hole for a 3 string guitar.  Gitty's instructions give you hole placement too.  AND I can't say enough good about Mordacai's book either. He has a simple system that can be used to put a cbg together fast if you want.  Good luck and send pics to us. We love seeing everyone's builds.

Comment by Keith Stanford on May 18, 2014 at 5:19am

Yeah, you won't go wrong with Mordacai's book, Doc.  And as he says on his website, if the book does not work for you, contact him and he sends you all of your $ back....and you keep the book. A no brainer.

kieta

Comment by Wichita Sam on May 18, 2014 at 5:04am

Keith,

 

Thanks, just paying it forward.  Got a lot of help in the beginning (and still do), so why shouldn't I pass it along?

 

the best,

 

Wichita Sam

Comment by Keith Stanford on May 18, 2014 at 4:52am

Good way of doing it WSam.
By the way folks, this fellow Wichita Sam is one of the most helpful folks here on the Nation and I'd like to give him a shout-out. People like him are the reason these forums are so successful. I have gleaned much from him, so thanks amigo.
kieta

 

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